adspguy
Member
I sold my 2012 LEAF in 2016 to get my model S 90D. I don't miss the LEAF even a little. With the larger range of the model S, the difference in winter range is not such a big deal as it is in the LEAF. I remember worrying about making my 50-mile round trip to work in the winter in the LEAF, trying to decide if I needed to turn off the heat on the way home. In the Model S, the low battery warning comes on with 50 miles or more left, where you start on the LEAF. You won't worry about winter range. The big battery (especially compared to the 2011 LEAF) makes a huge difference. Supercharging totally enables going on road trips in the S.Our 2012 Nissan Leaf is getting 'long in the tooth' even though it has logged < 36,000 genuine miles. At 80 years, we, too are long in the tooth.
After 50 years in Palo Alto, CA where we had a 2004 Prius as an occasional longer road trip vehicle, we are now in Charlottesville, VA, where I am assured we will see a little snow each winter. There are many local destinations beyond the range of our Leaf. After some research, we are considering the purchase of a used Model S rather than a new Model 3.
Are we on the right track?
How does the Model S handle in snow and ice? We are graduates (1962) of the Univ. of Minnesota, Minneapolis, so we know about snow, at least in a 1950's VW Beetle. Does it need to be the AWD version to get around well.
How likely are we to find a car that has supercharging privileges included?
How sensitive is the range to lower and/or high ambient temperatures, say below 50F and above 90F?
The most expensive operating cost for our Leaf (delivered in Dec 2011) has been two tires that suffered sidewall damage from potholes and/or curbs. What has been drivers experience with the wheels delivered on the Model S.
Are there other questions I should have asked?
thanks,
baumgrenze
My 90D handles great in the snow, and even better when I put on Nokian WRG4 tires, which I ride year round.
A used S is a great idea.